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Who makes really good Metric Nut Drivers?

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BirdMobile

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So I have this drawer full of Craftsman SAE nut drivers, regular and Stubbie that I've collected over the years of thrifty shopping. I use them quite a bit, and got to thinking today that I'd like to add half a dozen Metric sizes that I run into working on my cars (I've just used 1/4 sockets with a driver handle up till now).

I don't want more Craftsman, I want something of a bit higher quality, that will stand out in the drawer and not blend in with the craftsman drivers.

I have a budget of around $40, and want at least 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, and maybe 5mm and 13mm.

Suggestions?
 
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BirdMobile

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Wow!
Both sets recommended so far don't have the 12mm - the size I use the most!
Wondering if I'm going to have to put together a set piecemeal instead of finding what I need pre-made as a set.
 
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Ruger_556

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Proto sells nut drivers with the Duratek handles, a lot more than you want to spend though... What don't you like about the Craftsman ones? My buddy has a couple Greenlee ones he likes :dunno:
 
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Bigblue&Goldie

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Bondhus BNX7M, made in USA, in your budget, hollow shafts, and goes uo to 12mm. They have other sets as well.
 
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rusty65

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I believe the op might not like the fact that Craftsman nut drivers don't have a completely hallow shaft. For what my input is worth Klein is the best choice if you want quality.
 
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wild cowboy

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Wiha 34391 and Wera 395 ($47 & $43 at KC) are my favorite sets, but they too are missing the 12mm, although you could just add them on

these are on a whole other level than the Kleins
 
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BirdMobile

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Ruger_556 said:
Proto sells nut drivers with the Duratek handles, a lot more than you want to spend though... What don't you like about the Craftsman ones? My buddy has a couple Greenlee ones he likes :dunno:
Click to expand...

Actually, I have no problem with the Craftsman drivers - they've been good tools and I've never broke one.

The rsason I want something different is that I have a drawer full of SAE Craftsman drivers, and I'd like to instantly recognize the metrics in the drawer by having them be a different handle/brand/color/whatever. Plus, I plan to use the metrics hard (working on my cars), so a step up in quality and durability would be a plus.
 
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Askme42

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BirdMobile said:
Actually, I have no problem with the Craftsman drivers - they've been good tools and I've never broke one.

The rsason I want something different is that I have a drawer full of SAE Craftsman drivers, and I'd like to instantly recognize the metrics in the drawer by having them be a different handle/brand/color/whatever. Plus, I plan to use the metrics hard (working on my cars), so a step up in quality and durability would be a plus.
Click to expand...

The handles are different on metric/sae craftsman drivers.
 
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BirdMobile

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Askme42 said:
The handles are different on metric/sae craftsman drivers.
Click to expand...

I actually have two Craftsman metric Nut Drivers (both 5mm) and the handle is pretty much the same - other than some light gray paint on the handle-shaft interface part of the handle. I'm looking for something different enough that it will really stand out in a drawer full of nut drivers.
 
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BirdMobile

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Bill Ramsey

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I have both the SAE (clear) and metric (gray) Craftsmans. Unless they've changed the design (I've had the SAE for years), easy to tell apart.
 

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BirdMobile

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wild cowboy said:
did you check out the two German sets I linked to above? - They are the nicest on the market!
Click to expand...

Yes. I'm definitely leaning toward putting together a piecemeal set of Wiha drivers with the sizes I'm after, after considering the options in this thread.
 
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The FIB

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Got to go with Klein, their handle design makes them very comfortable to use, especially if you have larger hands.
 
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cheechi

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BirdMobile said:
Plus, I plan to use the metrics hard (working on my cars), so a step up in quality and durability would be a plus.
Click to expand...
I take this to mean you plan to break bolts loose with the nut driver rather than a breaker/ratchet or more beefy tool? I don't want you to read this as 'you're doing it wrong' but I would like to suggest that's more strain on your wrist than I would like on a daily basis. So the suggestion below is going to go against what you wanted but hear me out..
BirdMobile said:
I never cared much for ratcheting handled drivers though.
Click to expand...
That GW set is the same 'family' as the other GW ratcheting screwdrivers. Specifically there is a T handle as part of some of the kits (this is one example) I'm suggesting the GW kit of nut drivers, and any one other kit with the T handle (or I'm sure you can buy it by itself but its more cost effective part of a kit) are going to be better for you in the long term. Locked, it doesn't ratchet and from what I can tell it doesn't put it much stress on the mechanism using it like a fixed handle. Plus you have the ratcheting there if you want it or not. Maybe it'll grow on you doing it this way.

There is a kit that Sears has on clearance for like 18 bucks that has all the handles in it as well as a bunch of extensions and stuff. Couldn't find it on their site but that would be the best bet cost per item.

Personally, I don't use nut drivers all that often but I see where they can be effective. But I think T handles would be even more effective than the traditional design if you aren't going to use power tools.
 
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BirdMobile

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cheechi said:
I take this to mean you plan to break bolts loose with the nut driver rather than a breaker/ratchet or more beefy tool? I don't want you to read this as 'you're doing it wrong' but I would like to suggest that's more strain on your wrist than I would like on a daily basis. So the suggestion below is going to go against what you wanted but hear me out..

That GW set is the same 'family' as the other GW ratcheting screwdrivers. Specifically there is a T handle as part of some of the kits (this is one example) I'm suggesting the GW kit of nut drivers, and any one other kit with the T handle (or I'm sure you can buy it by itself but its more cost effective part of a kit) are going to be better for you in the long term. Locked, it doesn't ratchet and from what I can tell it doesn't put it much stress on the mechanism using it like a fixed handle. Plus you have the ratcheting there if you want it or not. Maybe it'll grow on you doing it this way.

There is a kit that Sears has on clearance for like 18 bucks that has all the handles in it as well as a bunch of extensions and stuff. Couldn't find it on their site but that would be the best bet cost per item.

Personally, I don't use nut drivers all that often but I see where they can be effective. But I think T handles would be even more effective than the traditional design if you aren't going to use power tools.
Click to expand...

Actually, no.
Part of the reason I've never broken any of my 20+ craftsman nut drivers is that I use the tools right - I never break nuts loose with them.

What I meant by "using them hard" is the typical car repair stuff - under car, on concrete, covered in grease, sometimes sliding, occasional drops or impacts from other tools and car parts... that kind of thing.

I know the Craftsman drivers would probably handle all of that just fine, I just want something different for my metrics that will stand out vividly in the drawer alongside the Craftsman SAE sets, and maybe take the abuse a little better over the long run.
 
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nanofrog

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BirdMobile said:
Yes. I'm definitely leaning toward putting together a piecemeal set of Wiha drivers with the sizes I'm after, after considering the options in this thread.
Click to expand...
FWIW, the missing sizes in Wiha are no longer offered (i.e. no 9, 11, or 12mm sizes). :sad:

I'm in the same boat, as I need 12mm for sure (common on Japanese equipment for retaining nuts on potentiometers and rotary switches).
 
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Hpozzuoli

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I think snap on makes the best nutdrivers. I really like the floating cover over the shaft. It allows you to hold and spin effortlessly. I use nutdrivers constantly vs a socket set up. I prefer the screwdriver action for not so tight things.
 

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BirdMobile

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nanofrog said:
FWIW, the missing sizes in Wiha are no longer offered (i.e. no 9, 11, or 12mm sizes). :sad:

I'm in the same boat, as I need 12mm for sure (common on Japanese equipment for retaining nuts on potentiometers and rotary switches).
Click to expand...

Wow... that's good to know.
Looking through KC Tools website, it looks like some of the Wiha Softgrip series driver series still offer all the sizes if bought individually... maybe I should jump on it while they're still available? I must admit though... I've never used 9mm or 11mm on ANYTHING to date... MUST. OVERCOME. OCD. Don't "need" the full set, brain! :D
 
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pi_guy

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nanofrog said:
FWIW, the missing sizes in Wiha are no longer offered (i.e. no 9, 11, or 12mm sizes). :sad:

I'm in the same boat, as I need 12mm for sure (common on Japanese equipment for retaining nuts on potentiometers and rotary switches).
Click to expand...

Seems like you know what nut drivers are for, mostly they are used for electronics and wiring. Not normally used for regular car work.
There is probably a good reason why they do not produce them in large sizes.
Most of the tool companies make a 1/4 handle with a female 1/4 on top for adding a ratchet after you spin the nut down or need to break it lose.

Snap-on has it in there nutdriver kit, but it aint cheap
 
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KCT_Jordan

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Wiha size nuts will you be working on?

Wiha makes in their SoftGrip series a range from 5.0mm - 17mm (including 5.5mm). They make a Heavy Duty version in 7mm-13mm.

All are available individually or in sets. Wiha also makes flexible shaft nut drivers in 5mm-13mm (5.5mm as well).

Wera nut drivers are good too although not as popular. They have a more limited offering of sizes.

Both brands make a wide-array of precision nut drivers but it sounds like you're looking for something more for automotive applications.
 
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wild cowboy

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BirdMobile said:
Yes. I'm definitely leaning toward putting together a piecemeal set of Wiha drivers with the sizes I'm after, after considering the options in this thread.
Click to expand...
don't forget Wera - slightly cheaper and even more comfortable handles! :thumbup:

the two are so close in quality that you really need to get one of each in your hand to decide which

also, if you don't need hollow, Wiha makes a solid shank version that still has about 1.5 inches of fastener depth

PS - do you really use your 12mm that much, I find that if I am working on a fastener that large, I am usually no longer thinking of a nutdriver, but rather a ratchet, torque wrench, etc.
 
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Bigblue&Goldie

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Nut drivers are one of those tools I dont see speniding big bucks on. They are a low torque tool so you should never break one unless you have forearms like Popeye.
 
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pi_guy

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creativecars said:
I always wonder why someone needs snapon stubby wrenches???:eyecrazy:
Click to expand...

Most of what I use, full size wrenches get in the way. How much torque do you need to put on a 5/16 or 1/4 nut?
If I am driving it with a 3/8 ratchet and the stubby is butted against the tube of the frame why do I need a full sized wrench?
 
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nanofrog

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BirdMobile said:
Wow... that's good to know.
Looking through KC Tools website, it looks like some of the Wiha Softgrip series driver series still offer all the sizes if bought individually... maybe I should jump on it while they're still available? I must admit though... I've never used 9mm or 11mm on ANYTHING to date... MUST. OVERCOME. OCD. Don't "need" the full set, brain! :D
Click to expand...
I couldn't find those missing sizes in the hollow shaft versions, which are what I require (must fit over pot & switch shafts to reach the retaining nuts; wrenches may work, but are more prone to causing cosmetic damage). So I don't really pay attention to the size details on the solid shaft/heavy duty versions.

Both of the sets linked on KCToolCo (hollow shaft), include all of the sizes Wiha currently offers. Check it out on wihatools.com (type "hollow shaft" in the search tool, and it will show the 343 soft grip series in both metric and SAE), and will see the sets contain all the sizes offered.

They *may* still be offering the missing sizes in Europe, as I've run into this sort of situation before (item no longer offered in the US is still available in the EU market, or EU items that haven't ever been made available in the US). Could import if this is the case, and those missing sizes are necessary (or OCD if that's the case :spit:). ;)

You may be able to find the missing sizes in Japanese brands, such as Vessel (I know, more fuel to the fire :evil:).

pi_guy said:
Seems like you know what nut drivers are for, mostly they are used for electronics and wiring. Not normally used for regular car work.
There is probably a good reason why they do not produce them in large sizes.
Click to expand...
My usage is electronics (hollow shaft is an absolute must), and there's definitely a heavy cross over for structural wiring (electricians).

But I'd think they're very useful in automotive work as well, particularly working in the dashboards. Would also think solid shafts would be more common (i.e. hex cap screws w/ built-in washer). :dunno:
 
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nanofrog

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KCT_Jordan said:
Wiha size nuts will you be working on?

Wiha makes in their SoftGrip series a range from 5.0mm - 17mm (including 5.5mm). They make a Heavy Duty version in 7mm-13mm.

All are available individually or in sets. Wiha also makes flexible shaft nut drivers in 5mm-13mm (5.5mm as well).

Wera nut drivers are good too although not as popular. They have a more limited offering of sizes.

Both brands make a wide-array of precision nut drivers but it sounds like you're looking for something more for automotive applications.
Click to expand...
Sorry, my comment was aimed at the hollow shaft sets previously linked. :eek:

Would you happen to know if they still offer the missing sizes in the EU market?
 
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dnschmidt

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Wiha are the nicest I know of. The Bondhus are USA and the handles are pretty nice. I personally like T-handle nutdrivers. Wiha makes these as well as the conventional screwdriver based types.
 
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